The pastoral and program staff will be on vacation the first week of April. Pastor Brad can be reached in an emergency. For less urgent issues, please call Wendi in the church office for a pastoral referral.

Sermon

"Rolling Stones Away
"

Scripture

Mark 16:1-8

It's finally here. Lent is behind us, as are the events of Holy Week. It is resurrection that now stands before us. It is Easter Sunday, a day of Resurrection and a time to lift our spirits.

The Praise Band at first service will be doing some wonderfully creative things. As I tell a piece of the Easter story, the band will have the congregation responding with songs; upbeat, fun, familiar songs that will engage the stories of Easter like no others, and maybe bring back a few memories to boot. It will be a service not to be missed.

Then in second service the chancel choir will be offering selected pieces of Vivaldi's "Gloria." Many know Vivaldi from his "Four Seasons" selections. The "Gloria" is one of my favorites pieces and like first service music, the choral pieces will be spread out throughout the service. Again, something not to be missed. It will be a magnificent time of retelling the Easter stories.

Come, bring friends and family, spend the morning. There will be the annual decorating of the Flower Cross at both services so remember to bring some flowers. For the children there will be an Easter Egg Hunt between services and all are invited to watch or participate. What a great morning it will be celebrating the risen Christ.

Pastor's Blog

Rev. Brad P. Beeman

Today is Maundy Thursday, the day we remember that final meal shared between Jesus and his disciples. We'll remember that with our worship gathering tonight at 7:00pm. We'll close the service with communion. Tomorrow evening we remember the events that led up to the death of Jesus; a service of Good Friday that also begins at 7:00pm. It will be a service of readings, songs and extinguishing candles. There will be a time at the end of the service, in the darkness of the sanctuary, to stand at the foot of the cross, touch the cross, meditate or simply sit quietly in the darkness that is so representative of that night so long ago. Saturday is called "tomb day" and remembers the day Jesus spent in death. It is a time to also sit quietly and remember; remember his life and all that it stood for, his death and why it happened the way it did. It was just so sacrificial in nature. We are called to live ours in the same way. But then comes Sunday. The two services on Easter morning could not be any more different. First service will be a lively celebration of me telling shortened versions of the Easter stories and the band responding after each story with some familiar songs. The service will be very upbeat, relaxed and a grand celebration in a more contemporary style. Second service will certainly be centered on the resurrection stories but intertwined throughout the service will be the Chancel Choir bringing specific pieces of Vivaldi's "Gloria." it will be celebratory in a whole different way with one of the great musical pieces of all time. The second service will end with Handel's "Halleluia Chorus" and all will be invited to sing along. In between the two service will be the annual Easter Egg Hunt for all the children of the church. One other reminder. As in years past we will have the Easter Flower Cross. Throughout the morning it will go from being stark to ultimately become covered with flowers. Bring some with you - any kind of flower. Bring enough for others to share. We'll have hundreds just in case folks forget. It is one of the highlights of both services, watching individuals, couples and families coming up together to decorate what was a stark white cross with all the colors of nature's flowered rainbow. So, remember to bring flowers. It's going to be a powerful week. My hope is that you will come be a part of it all.

Ministry News

Maundy Thursday Service

March 24, 7:00pm

We will remember Jesus' last night with his disciples and receive communion.

Good Friday Service

March 25, 7:00pm

We will meditate on the last events of
Jesus' life before his resurrection.

Easter Sunday Services

March 27, 8:50am & 11:00am

Join us and Christians everywhere as we rejoice because of Christ's Resurrection

URGENT - Egg-Stravaganza Volunteers Needed

HELP! We need your help! Volunteers are needed for the Saturday Egg-Stravaganza. Come help with games, crafts and egg hunt. Come at 9:30am. Let
Jen Hoerber know if you can help.

Next Sunday School Lesson

A new Sunday School lesson starts on April 3. The lesson is from John 5:1-14; Jesus feeds the 5000. We will explore how everyone can be fed and loved by Jesus.

Confirmation Information Meeting

Thursday, March 31 @ 7:00pm OR

Sunday, April 3 @ 10:00am

For all youth planning on attending confirmation classes this spring, there is an informational meeting for youth and their parents on EITHER Thursday, March 31 at 7:00pm in room 21 OR Sunday, April 3 at 10:00am downstairs in Smith Hall. Confirmation classes will be Sunday evenings starting April 10 and run through June 12, which is Confirmation Sunday. If you are unable to attend either of these meeting, but are interested in Confirmation, please contact Jen Hoerber.

Confirmand Mentors Needed

Support our Confirmands! Aldersgate UMC is blessed to have a great group of youth starting Confirmation in April. As part of this special time in their lives and the life of the church, we are looking for individuals to be mentors to each of our confirmands. There are also other ways you can help support the confirmation class of 2016 as well. If you are interested in being a confirmation mentor or supporting them in another way, please let Pastor Brad or Jen know by April 3rd. Mentors should be available to their assigned youth and offer support by meeting with them once or twice, checking in with them throughtout confirmation, and praying for them. Mentors are not expected to be at meetings or complete a workbook with them.

Widow/Widowers Group

Some interest has been expressed for a monthly social support group for widows and widowers. If you are interested, please sign up on Sunday's attendance form.

Methodism 101 Class

Offered between services for three Sundays starting April 17, this class is for those who want to learn more about the Methodist church and for those who are considering becoming church members. Everyone is welcome. New members will be welcomed May 15.

Kitchen Status Week 7

We have entered the initial phases of the "finish" work. The installation of the Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) panels for walls was completed. These are being trimmed out with a simple crown molding. The flooring and window installations are complete. The storage area is complete --Ted has cleaned and painted it and a work party cleaned all the tables and chairs and put them away. Several major components have been delivered. The heat pump is on site and partially installed. The on-demand (tankless) water heater is installed on a cement pad. Cabinetry and new doors (fellowship hall entry and mop closet) were delivered. We need to prepare ourselves for cleaning and sterilizing the original cabinets and the china, silverware etc. to be returned to the kitchen.

Fun Events

Yoga Class

Begins April 2

Be a part of Aldersgate's yoga ministry! Vince Fratello will be teaching a Spring series of yoga classes which start at the most basic beginner level and are organized to accommodate all body types and physical abilities. The series will tentatively be ten Saturdays from April 2 to June 4, from9:00-10:15am. Students should bring a sticky yoga mat (ask if you are unsure) and Vince will supply the rest of the props. The cost is $50 per student for the entire series - you can try out the first class with no financial commitment and scholarships are available if needed. If you have questions, contact Vince.

Vacation Bible School

VBS will be the week of July 25. The theme is "Cave Quest - Following Jesus the Light of the World." If you would like to sign up or at least discuss the possibility of being a station leader or a group leader, please contact Jen. Hoerber.
Registration will start in April.

Easter Egg Activities THIS WEEKEND

Thank you for all of your support in the planning of the Easter festivities.
We still need volunteers to help at the Egg-stravaganza - DESPERATELY!All volunteers should arrive AT LEAST 30 minutes prior to start of the event. We never turn away volunteers, so if you would like to come join us, there is room for you!

Egg-stravaganza - March 26th, 10:00am-noon. This is a community Easter event geared for young children. From 10:00am-11:15am there will be fun activities such as crafts, games, and a cookie decorating station in the classrooms downstairs. Then at 11:15am, we will gather in Smith Hall where Pastor Brad will lead us in some songs and tell the Easter story. The Easter egg hunt begins at 11:30am

Tween Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt - March 26th, 7:00pm - 8:00pm. This is a community Easter event geared for kids ages 10 through middle school. Bring a flashlight and a friend. At 7:00pm meet in Smith Hall for ice cream sundaes and instructions. Then at 7:30pm the flashlight Easter egg hunt begins!

Easter Sunday we will be hosting a special Kid's Club during the 8:50am service with an Easter Egg hunt at 10:15am. **It would be great to have some youth volunteers to hide Easter eggs and to assist during Kid's Club.

Young at Heart Potluck

Tuesday, April 5

Calling all retirees, empty nesters and wannabees!
Join us Tuesday, April 5th, at 6pm in Friendship Hall, for an enjoyable evening of good food and fellowship. We will celebrate April and Income Tax Time! You can wear old and tattered clothes to help us sympathize with your tax problems. Richard (Tom Blakney's brother) and Betty Blakney will share about their missionary years in Borneo helping to found Christ Hospital. Please don't forget tableware and serving spoons, etc. If you have never attended YAHS, please sign up on Sunday's attendance form, or phone Mary Atkins (253 858-6270) or Beth Sanford (425 392-7223), and someone will contact you about the food.

Blakney Borneo Odyssey Program

To say good morning, in Chinese they say "Have you eaten yet?" but in the former head-hunter Iban tribal language they say "Have you bathed yet?" This reflects the practical priority when the Iban tribal people awaken in the morning and go down to the river below their longhouse for an early bath to start the day. In the hinterland of Borneo living for the Ibans always concerns their relation to the river below their longhouses and life on that hilly jungle Southeast Asian island. Into this context Richard and Betty Blakney went to Sarawak to join a team for the Methodist Church's Board of Missions to undertake the founding of Christ Hospital, 135 miles inland from the South China Sea. Thus began their adventure in 1956 when Richard had just graduated in pharmacy and Betty in nursing. Come to the April 5 Young at Heart potluck where they will speak and show slides.

Intro to Visual Journaling

Saturday April 9, 1-3 pm at Aldersgate UMC

Come and express yourself! No artistic experience or talent required. In this 2-hour workshop you will experience how art can give shape to your own story more powerfully than words. Cost is $45; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to subsidize counseling for persons with limited ability to pay. Sign up on Sunday's attendance form.

Camp Sunday

Sunday, April 17

On Camp sunday we will hear all about the United Methodist summer camps available to our children and youth. The message will be about the "Camp Experience" and the Children's Moment will be offered by a few Aldersgate campers. Immediately following the 2nd service will be the Taco Bar lunch - a campers favorite. Donations will be gladly accepted to provide camp scholarships for children and youth. Sign up if you will join us for lunch and if you can help prep food, setup or take down tables/chairs, or help with cleanup. For more information about the camps available this summer go to
www.pnwcamps.org/our-camps/.

Women's Spring Salad Supper

Tuesday, April 26

Are there treasures in your attice? Have you wondered what they might be worth? Ladies, plan to bring your small antiques and collectibles to the United Methodist Women's Spring Salad Supper on Tuesday, April 26. Following a salad potluck, Debbie Mallory, owner of the Sophisticated Swine Antiques Appraisal and Estate Sales, will share her expertise with us. The evening's offering will be donated to Hopelink. Watch for more information.

Youth Group (6th-12th Grade)

All youth from 6th-12th grade are welcome. If you have any questions about the youth program, contact Pastor Brad. Here are some upcoming events:

Lauren Steele is recovering from neck surgery and would appreciate meal support. Please use the site at
www.CaringBridge.org to sign up:

Log in to
www.CaringBridge.org and search for Lauren Steele. (You may need to set up an account, which only takes a minute.) Then under Planner, you will see what days are covered. Click the date for a day you can provide meals, and click "Accept this task." (Or you can coordinate with Laura Wall, who will sign you up.) Thank you so much!!! The Steele family appreciate all the help they have received.

Lazy F Family Mission Trip

Save the dates May 27-29 for the Aldersgate Family Mission Trip to Lazy F. The weekend will include tasks for children and adults of all ages. Last year Aldersgate remodeled two cabins, weeded and planted flowers, built covered firewood storage and a GaGa Ball court, and served at the clothing bank at the Ellensburg United Methodist Church. The evening events included a campfire with s'mores, board games and a chance to relax in a beautiful location. Sign up ion Sunday's attendance form if you think you might attend - this is not a commitment, we are just trying to gauge interest.

Submit prayer requests to Dorothy Bennett, the Prayer Chain Coordinator, or fill out a pew prayer card or contact the church office. Prayer requests will stay on the Prayer Chain for about 3 weeks. Please contact Dorothy or the church office with an update if you want the request to be prayed for longer.

All prayer requests will appear in the church newsletters unless you specifically request otherwise.